A 19-year-old JEE aspirant from Uttar Pradesh was found hanging in his hostel room in Kota, Rajasthan, on Thursday morning. The deceased has been identified as Ravi Kumar, a resident of Varanasi. He was preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) at a coaching institute in the city.
Incident Details
According to police, Ravi's roommate found him hanging from the ceiling fan when he returned from the washroom around 8 am. He immediately alerted the hostel warden and other students. The police were informed and reached the spot. The body was sent for post-mortem. No suicide note was recovered from the room.
Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the matter. Preliminary inquiries suggest that Ravi was under stress due to academic pressure. However, no foul play is suspected at this stage. His family has been informed and is expected to reach Kota soon.
This is the latest in a series of student suicides in Kota, which is a hub for competitive exam coaching. In 2025, at least 20 students died by suicide in the city. Authorities have been taking steps to address mental health issues among students, including setting up counseling centers and helplines.
Kota Police Commissioner said, "We are investigating the case from all angles. We urge students to seek help if they are feeling stressed. We have several initiatives in place to support them."
The coaching institute where Ravi was enrolled has expressed grief and said it will cooperate with the investigation. The institute also stated that it provides regular counseling sessions for students.
Ravi's father, a farmer, said his son was determined to crack JEE and had been in Kota for two years. He had spoken to him a day earlier and he seemed fine. The family is in shock.
This incident has once again raised questions about the pressure on students in Kota's coaching ecosystem. Experts call for a more holistic approach to education that prioritizes mental well-being.
